KALAMAZOO, MI - More than 11,000 people voted for Kalamazoo to be the next Beer City USA, but beer-drinkers an hour north in Grand Rapids will continue to carry the title.

Kalamazoo ranked second in nation for the Beer City USA title. Kalamazoo came ahead of Asheville, NC, which tied with Grand Rapids for the title last year, and Ann Arbor came in fourth place in the national poll featuring 22 cities which cherish local craft beer.

"We're ecstatic we were able to get 11,000 votes, " said Greg Ayers, president of Discover Kalamazoo. "We raised the profile of Kalamazoo as an evolving craft beer destination. What we accomplished in two weeks was absolutely amazing.

"Congratulations to Grand Rapids," Ayers said. "They had a terrific effort and a year to work on a strategy and lots of people who believe. We're excited that three of the top four are from Michigan. We're statewide in this movement. "

Mayor Bobby Hopewell released a statement sending his congratulations to Grand Rapids on Monday and said regardless of the ranking order, the poll results show Michigan's great beer culture.

"I've already spoken to Mayor (George) Heartwell, and I will be going up to Grand Rapids to buy him a beer in
celebration of the win," Hopewell said. "We are discussing how we can continue the larger story
about West Michigan as an amazing craft beer region. I am already
encouraged at the national visibility that this campaign has brought to both cities
and look forward to seeing more visitors come to partake in West Michigan's
beer culture."

Last week, a group led by Discover Kalamazoo, organized a slew of events celebrating Kalamazoo's bid for the title. A final #Beer4Kzoo event at the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange is scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday night.

Four brewers setting up shop in Kalamazoo - Tim Suprise, founder of Arcadia Brewing Co.; Greg “Gonzo” Haner, founder of Gonzo’s BigDogg Brewery; Mark Rupert, founder of Rupert’s Brewhouse and Brian Steele, co-founder of Boatyard Brewing Co. - sat down for a question and answer session at The Bureau on Friday night. Click here to read the live blog of the event.